Hafeez to go England for knee treatment

ISLAMABAD, May 30 (APP): Pakistani batsman Mohammad Hafeez will be going to England not for cricket but most likely for the knee treatment, which has made his participation in doubt for the series against the English team.

Hafeez picked up the injury during the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Despite the knee problem, Hafeez went on to participate in the World Twenty20 in India where he aggravated his injury and missed two group-stage matches against New Zealand and Australia.

Hafeez, 35, had missed the two-week fitness training camp organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) at Kakul. But the chief selector Inzamam ul Haq named Hafeez, a veteran of 47 Tests, 177 ODIs and 77 T20s in the 21-probables players list for a week-long skills camp in Lahore from Monday (May 30) for the tour of England.

Talking to APP, a PCB official said currently Hafeez is in Karachi for an MRI scan. “After his reports come, then the board will decide to have a final verdict on the matter of whether he will be sent to England or will be treated here,” he said.

“The knee muscular problem Hafeez is suffering from is best treated in England therefore he is most likely to be treated there,” he said.

Pakistan will tour England from June for four Tests, five ODIs and a one Twenty20. The first Test will kick off on July 14.